First presidential debate (or debates)

You’ve heard of crowdfunding?  That’s a relatively new method of raising capital from friends, family and customers online via social media.

Well, Republicans seem to have an old-fashioned crowd problem.  At least that’s the way Fox News, the host/sponsor of the first GOP presidential debate Aug. 6 in Cleveland, sees it. 

In an effort to winnow down the number of candidates from a crowd of 15 or more, the network will require contenders to place in the top 10 in an average of the five most recent national polls before the event.

Whatever happened to the idea of a large Republican tent?  Initially, it was supposed to be a metaphor for voter inclusion.  Today, I think it’s safe to say it is a symbol of a circus gone astray.  If there are too many presidential candidates to include on one stage, then get a bigger stage or, better yet, another tent.

That’s right, another tent.  Here’s how Fox should organize its first primary debate in The Forest City: 

Randomly pick half the pack of candidates for Tent A and the other half for Tent B.  Then, conduct simultaneous debates in two different locations with two different moderators asking the same questions.  When both are done, immediately air them back to back on TV.

If the network follows this script, then it will avoid appearing arbitrary and selective.  The way I see it, by running two presidential debates at the same time, the Republican Party actually will be practicing what it preaches (which is, inclusion).  

Politics isn’t for the faint of heart.  This is especially true this early in the presidential campaign season.  It may not be pretty, but hosting two debates — no matter how awkward that might turn out to be — will be in the best interest of Fox viewers and GOP voters.  When all is said and done in Cleveland, isn’t this the best outcome the network and Republicans can hope for? 

Crowdfunding for money is one thing.  Too crowded is another.  If all the GOP presidential candidates can’t squeeze onto one Fox News stage, then get a second one.  It really is not that difficult to figure out.

Freidenrich writes from Laguna Beach, California.  He served as a congressional staff assistant on Capitol Hill in 1972.